Hell’s Kitchen: NYC Pre Theatre Dining

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While NYC has much to offer, one of my favorite things to do while visiting the city is to go out to eat for dinner and to see the Broadway shows.  In order to do both in the same night, it is easiest to make a dinner reservation in the Theatre District or in Hell’s Kitchen prior to the musical. 

Both the Theatre District and Hell’s Kitchen may be found on NYC’s Midtown West Side which ranges from 34^th to 59^th Streets and between 5^th and 12^th Avenues. The Theatre District covers 41^st to 54^th Streets between 6^th and 8^th Avenues, and Hell’s Kitchen can be found to the West of 8^th, near the Theatre District.

Below are a few delicious restaurants in the Manhattan’s Midtown:

Hell’s Kitchen

Chez Josephine

Chez Josephine is located on 42^nd west of 9^th Ave on Theatre Row in Hell’s Kitchen.  Jean-Claude Baker opened the quaint space in 1986 as a tribute to Josephine Baker, one of the most successful African-American performers to ever take the stage.

Not only was she a performer, but also, she was a Red Cross volunteer and spy for the French Resistance in WWII, a civil rights activist, and a mother of 12 adopted children!

The restaurant features a French-American menu including a three course, Prix-Fixe option for theatre goers.  As a result, it is a popular dining choice and was packed with patrons when we arrived for our 5pm meal. 

While we varied our appetizer orders, Figs with Prosciutto and Goat Cheese and Onion Soup, we both ordered the same entrée and dessert, so we didn’t get to do too much tasting.  The onion soup was superb, the sole and couscous a little bland, and the chocolate mousse cake tasty.

Of course, the restaurant includes a regular menu, but the prix-fixe options appealed to us.  Want a more relaxed meal, no problem?  Enjoy the live piano music while dining without a scheduled show.

Danji

I did not know that Danji had earned a Michelin Star when I was trying to make a reservation at this tiny Korean Restaurant.  No wonder I couldn’t snag a spot for two on a Friday night in December a month in advance.  Fortunately, Wednesday at 6 pm was easier.

The small space includes a bar that seats six to seven, a shared high-top table space, and a temporary building on the street that was likely erected during COVID.  We took two seats at the bar and despite being near the door, the heater kept us warm.

It was very difficult to decide between all the small plates, so we went with the Prix-Fixe dinner.  While I’m glad we did (so we know what to order next time), we could not finish the nine courses.

Everyone at the table must participate in the tasting, but the staff was very accommodating to us and willingly switched a meat dish to vegetarian to satisfy our dietary restrictions. 

The Yellowtail Sashimi is definitely a repeat order.  It was fantastic.  I also really enjoyed the spicy chicken wings and got most of those to myself.  But having eaten three courses prior, including tofu and a shrimp and scallion pancake, I was hardly hungry. 

Perhaps that is why we weren’t sold on the rice cake or the cod which are most people’s favorites.  I will say, the sauce is similar on all the dishes, so it might just be best to pick your favorite protein.

We finished up the meal with kimchi, rice, and sesame ice cream which was surprisingly good.  Overall, we really enjoyed Danji and will definitely make this Hell’s Kitchen restaurant on 52^nd between 8^th and 9th a regular.

Update: Google maps says Danji is temporarily closed, so check their website before making a reservation.

ViceVersa

In my opinion, you can’t go to New York without visiting an Italian restaurant.  And there a plenty from which to choose!  ViceVersa is located on 51st between 8^th and 9^th and is open for dinner from 5pm to 10pm Tuesday through Saturday.

The restaurant is quite festive during the holidays, and we were very pleased with both the ambience and the food. My friend described the gnocchi as some of the best she had ever had.  My spinach pasta with peas and prosciutto in a light cream sauce was superb. 

These main dishes coupled with an appetizer each were so filling that we couldn’t finish!  I hate to say this, but we took the gnocchi and pasta back to the hotel, The Belvedere, which is perfectly located for a trip focused on dining and the theatre!

Becco

This famous Midtown institution, recommended to me by a New Yorker, features excellent Italian food as well. According to its website, “the name Becco is derived from the Italian verb, beccare, which means to peck, nibble or savor something in a discriminating way.”

Located on Restaurant Row at 355 W 46th St, Becco is operated by Lidia and Joe Bastianich. Joe, once a judge on Masterchef, co-owns thirty restaurants in four countries. He was behind the bar when we visited for a pre-theatre dinner in September.

The Hell’s Kitchen restaurant looks small at first, but after weaving through an obstacle course in a narrow hallway, we came across two more rooms crammed with tables. You will be hearing your neighbor’s conversation over this meal, but the food makes up for the tight squeeze. Both the Pollo al Limone and “Joe’s Veal Chop” were savory delights.

Bea

Bea features a new American menu which is served on small plates for sharing.  Our order of pork dumplings, tuna tar guacamole, grilled scallops, and flourless chocolate cake did not disappoint.  And for anyone who enjoys a drink with dinner, don’t miss the drink menu featuring several cocktails, mocktails, wines and beers.

The large space with lighted indoor trees and classic movies playing silently on various walls presents an entertaining atmosphere too.  As with all the aforementioned restaurants, it is conveniently located near the theatre in Hell’s Kitchen on 43^rd and 9^th.

Bea is open seven nights a week for dinner and offers brunch on the weekend. 

44 & X

44 & X, located a little farther west at 10th Ave and 44th St, serves American cuisine.  This bright and airy Hell’s Kitchen restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining.  44 & X changes its menu with the season, but both the lamb and fish were excellent.  Along with offering both a pre and post theatre meal, it also serves brunch on the weekends.  In fact, all the above restaurants except Danji are also open for brunch.  

So & So’s Piano Bar

So & So’s Piano Bar is the speakeasy at Romer Hell’s Kitchen Hotel. It has its own non-descript door around the corner from the main entrance of the hotel, which by the way, is a great place to stay in New York City. It’s midtown location is perfect for seeing broadway shows, visiting Times Square, and strolling through Central Park. But I digress, the piano bar is great!

There are many small bites to chose from like tuna tacos and interesting deviled eggs. The truffle pasta is outstanding as is the atmosphere. There is a small cover charge for the music. I went early on a Thursday night and it filled up by the time I left just before 8pm. It would also be a great place to pop into after a Broadway Show.

Bar Centrale

Bar Centrale is another speakeasy located in between Orso and Joe Allen (also good restaurants) in an old brownstone. Call for a reservation and simply walk up the stairs to an unmarked door. I sat at the bar for which it is known for its fancy cocktails and ordered some tasty tacos.

The menu is limited, but the service is quick, so you will be in and out in no time. Bar Centrale, with its nice vibe in a converted apartment, draws Broadway Stars post-show, so it is another place to eat after the theater if you are on the search for actors.

Theatre District

Blue Willow

If Danji is still closed during your visit to NYC, but you have a hankering for Asian cuisine, head to Blue Willow. Blue Willow is just north of the Theatre District on 56th between 5th and 6th Avenues.

The quaint restaurant fills up quickly. We snatched the last two seats at the bar just after six on a Friday night. This charming, Midtown restaurant is known for its pots for two. Even with different restrictive diets, we found a way to build a shareable dish. Select your favorite ingredients and you’ll be loving the food and the vibe this tasty eatery.

Osteria la Baia

Enjoy Italy without leaving Manhattan at this Italian restaurant in the Theatre District located on 52nd between 6th and 7th. The homemade pastas at Osteria la Baia are outstanding. Truffle lovers must order the tagliolini. The gnocchi is also a treat.

It’s chic, modern decor is light and inviting, and the bar offers an assortment of cocktails, mocktails, and wines. Being in the Theatre District, it felt more touristy than the eclectic restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, but overall the food is flavorful which makes up for the slow service we received.

La Grande Boucherie

With its traditional French menu, La Grande Boucherie will appeal to French foodies. I recommend the tuna tartare. The art-nouveau styled restaurant on 6 1/2 Avenue between 53rd and 54th draws crowds to its giant heated atrium. 

This Theatre District brasserie features 40-foot glass ceilings and serves both a regular and pre-fixe meal. The enormous restaurant with a dining room, bar, and mezzanine areas can accommodate 400 diners!

The open-air plaza which stretches the length of the long bar provides fabulous outdoor seating in nice weather and would be a lovely place for brunch.

Sardi’s

Another fun thing do in New York is to go for after theatre dessert at Sardi’s. Opened in 1921, this historic, Midtown restaurant closes at 11pm, so it is best suited for those attending a Broadway show that has a short run time or that starts at 7 rather than 8. 

Located on 44th between 7th and 8th, it is in the heart of the Theatre District. It’s walls don caricatures of famous people who have dined at the location. Keep an eye open for A-listers who come through the doors.

It’s hard to say which one of these Hell’s Kitchen restaurants or Theatre District places to eat are best, but you’ll always find amazing food in NYC. And all of these establishments served us with enough time to reach the theatre. ETB

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